Inspiring design unveiled for new sculpture at gateway to the Dearne

We’re delighted to reveal the inspiring design for a new sculpture celebrating the rich heritage, culture and landscape of the Dearne.

Dan Jones' artwork has been drawn up to provide a striking new landmark at the western gateway to Goldthorpe.

He has shaped the sculpture’s design – which includes a pineapple-shaped birdhouse and bug “hotels” - through widespread consultation with people of all generations living in the Dearne.

The proposed artwork would stand five metres tall on the new roundabout we have constructed to open up fresh land for employment. There are also plans for landscaping on the roundabout by Yorkshire company PWP Design.

The artwork design is formed from three panels of laser-cut steel linked by a steel ring.

Each panel represents one of the Dearne settlements of Goldthorpe, Bolton upon Dearne and Thurnscoe.

We are working with cultural organisation Beam on this project, which is being funded through the Goldthorpe Town Deal.

The Goldthorpe Town Deal is a £23.1 million investment from the UK Government’s Towns Fund to revitalise Goldthorpe, Bolton upon Dearne and Thurnscoe through a package of projects. These include the new Horse and Groom Square and improvements to the Dearne Playhouse.

A planning application has now been submitted for the artwork, which will be installed this autumn subject to planning approval.

Dan carried out 15 creative workshops, engaging well over 200 people in the design process, and ran an online survey to gather as many views as possible.

The design shows older people lifting up the next generation, as well as references to the Dearne's brick-making and coal-mining heritage.

It also features musical notes from “Take Me Home” a song chosen by Thurnscoe Harmonic Male Voice Choir.

The proposed artwork would have specially-designed habitats for bugs and insects and three bird houses, each with a design shaped through community consultation. The pineapple design echoes when the fruit became a symbol of prosperity in the 17th and 18th centuries.

We are determined that everyone in Barnsley can develop their skills and abilities, and emerging Barnsley artist Ailish Treanor has been able to learn from Dan’s experience while supporting him in the design process.

Dan Jones said: “As someone who has lived in the Dearne Valley since I was a child, I have enjoyed meeting so many other people to learn what living here means to them and design a sculpture we can all be proud of.

“We’ve used all sorts of different artistic approaches, from using collages of photographs and drawings, to creating large scale temporary sculptures and model making.

“We’ve worked with junior youth club members, older residents at the Goldthorpe Development Group - and everyone in between.

“The sculpture is symbolic of the area’s growth and how its future is built on the foundations of its heritage, while the ring in the centre represents the communities coming together and looking to a bright future with greater opportunities for everyone.

“If you look closely at the sculpture, you’ll be able to see that all three communities are passionate about nature, while also remembering their industrial and agricultural heritage.

“I’ve received some wonderful feedback from students and staff at Dearne Astrea Academy that they are really pleased with the design and love that they can see their own ideas represented.

“I’m pleased to be working with Barnsley Council, Ailish, Beam, landscape architects PWP Design, and community partners to deliver this inspiring new artwork.”

Cabinet spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, Cllr Robin Franklin, said: “We want this new sculpture to give a strong sense of arrival, enabling people coming to the Dearne to learn a little about the area, while also reflecting people’s experiences of living there.

“Each panel of the sculpture tells a unique story, reflecting the heritage, nature and culture of Goldthorpe, Thurnscoe and Bolton upon Dearne.

“Thanks to everyone who has taken the chance to help develop the wonderful vision for this new artwork, which I’m sure will be a spectacular addition to the landscape.” 

Matthew Stephens, chair of the Goldthorpe Town Board, said: “I’m delighted so many people have been involved in helping to create this bespoke design for the Dearne. It shows the area’s emergence through time and illustrates the past, present and future of the Dearne.

“I’m also pleased local companies are playing their part in producing and installing this landmark artwork.

“The design is ambitious and optimistic, and I can’t wait to see it come alive as a new beacon representing strength in unity and a hopeful future for the Dearne.”

This is one of a package of major artwork projects underway in the Dearne area, funded by the Goldthorpe Town Deal.

This project and the wider Towns Fund investment project support the missions of our Inclusive Economic Growth Strategy, which aims to empower all Barnsley’s communities to thrive.

Find out more at barnsley.gov.uk/Goldthorpe.

Captions:

Artist Dan Jones with his maquette of the proposed sculpture for the new roundabout at Goldthorpe

The other images show 3D visualisations of how the sculpture would look in place on the roundabout.

Note to editors

High-resolution versions of these images are available on request.